Add another arrow to the quiver of energy-efficiency upgrades homeowners can undertake that qualify for a federal tax credit: radiant barriers for hot Texas attics.

So says Dan Russell, president of Innovative Insulation in Arlington, which bills itself as the nation’s largest maker of radiant barriers. The 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500 on installations in 2009 and 2010, applies to the roll-out radiant barrier product only, not the spray-on kind, he said.

Radiant barriers are designed to reflect the sun’s heat away from a building’s living area.

Consumers can view Russell’s product, as well as other energy-efficient home products from more than 20 exhibitors, at the Fort Worth Home & Garden Market, which starts at 2 p.m. today and runs through Sunday. Energy-efficiency projects that qualify for tax credits include windows, air conditioners, heaters and solar-power units.

Tax credits could grow this spring. CNN has reported that the government is considering expanding the credit to 50 percent, up to a $12,000 cap, for qualifying home improvements in an upcoming jobs bill. The proposal would set aside $10 billion for energy retrofits.

Also at the Home & Garden Market, Oncor Electric Delivery is showing its “smart meters,” which allow homeowners to see how much energy they are using with up-to-the minute technology. Oncor, which carries power to most of North Texas, has been installing smart meters in North Texas. They should arrive in Arlington by summer, followed by parts of Fort Worth, according to Oncor’s Debbie Moore.

The Home & Garden Market is a good place to compare products, prices and warranties under one roof, and many of the companies offer specials.

“We do a lot of business at shows across the country,” said David Lopez, president and district manager of Champion Windows in Bedford. “Customers can actually see the difference in quality between us and some of our competitors. When homeowners have several contractors come to their house over the period of a couple of weeks, they can’t compare products as well and they typically pick on just price.”

Show specials can also be better than other discounted offers. Champion is offering 42 percent off coupons for windows purchased at the show, Lopez said. That’s slightly better than a similar advertised offer made recently in newspaper ads and a mailed circular.

But specials don’t tell the whole story.

Steve Drummond, owner of Texas Energy Concepts in Southlake, said he doesn’t offer specials at the show but can aggressively compete with other window offers on price.

“I love the shows,” he said. “When customers buy from me, they know who will be coming to their door.”

Drummond advises consumers to check each window installed for a sticker that says it complies with the requirements necessary for the tax credit.

“The window business isn’t regulated,” he said. “Buyers need to beware of who they hire.”

Another way to compare companies is by their guarantees, said Nick Walker, president of Irving-based HeatBlockers, which provides insulation, solar-powered fans, radiant barriers and duct sealing.

“We have a money-back guarantee,” he said. “If you don’t save any money on your energy bills, you’ll get your money back.”

HeatBlockers is also offering 60 pounds of free insulation, enough to cover 1,000 square feet, to customers at the show.

Radiant barriers are becoming a popular product in Texas, but Walker said consumers should ensure that their attics are properly ventilated; otherwise, the barriers aren’t as beneficial.

“It all has to work together — the radiant barrier reflects the heat, then the ventilation pulls the heat out of the attic,” he said. Walker said he thinks that radiant barriers are most effective when placed over the insulation on the attic floor.

But Mike Williams, with KMD Comfort Zone in Fort Worth, said putting it under the rafters, which support the roof, is more convenient, given that other work often needs to be done in the attic.

Williams said his energy-efficiency business overall has increased with the tax credit, which was available in 2009 and again this year. He hopes for better attendance at the Home & Garden Market this time around.

“Attendance at our booth was 60 to 70 percent down at last fall’s show,” he said. “But the people who visited with us proved to be extremely interested and we booked the majority of them for jobs.”

KMD Comfort is offering $200 off its radiant barrier products at the show.

Residential tax credit Homeowners who buy an energy-efficient furnace, air conditioner or water heater can qualify for a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost, including labor, up to $1,500 in 2009 or 2010. Renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic and hot water systems, small wind systems and geothermal heat pumps, are eligible for a tax credit of 30 percent with no cap. The cost of materials of new energy-efficient windows, insulation, sealant and radiant barriers qualify for a 30 percent tax credit up to $1,500, but labor cost is not eligible.
Manufacturers must certify that products meet standards and provide a written statement with the product or on the manufacturers’ Web site. Taxpayers need all receipts, as well as the manufacturer’s certification statement, and should keep a copy, although it is not required for tax returns.

Not all energy-efficiency improvements qualify. Check the manufacturer’s certification statement, which is different from the Energy Department’s Energy Star label. Not all Energy Star products qualify.

For more information, go to www.IRS.gov or www.energytaxincentives.org, which is sponsored by a coalition of energy-efficiency groups

Source: Internal Revenue Service

[TERESA McUSIC, Fort-Worth Star-Telegram]